With this notoriety, Matane became the main commercial centre of the Coast. There is a ferryboat linking the city to the North Shore. Matane is also known as the shrimp capital of the world with its summer festival honoring the little crustacean. Many social and cultural activities surround this event such as the St-Jean-Baptiste celebrations on June 24th.

The Matane River crosses the city and represents an important salmon river for anglers around the world. You will surely see one trying to catch the big trophy. Also on Matane River, there is the Mathieu-D'Amours Dam built in 1971, a salmon migratory pass and the Parc des Îles.

You like walking and history? Try the Promenade des Capitaines, a boardwalk along the river offering a nice view of the city and presenting its maritime history on informative panels. It is also possible to rent bikes or sea kayaks. You must visit the marina and the old lighthouse built in 1906 and transformed into a tourist information office.

Take Hwy 195 along Matane River and get to Matane's Natural Reserve (40 km south) where you will find Mt. Blanc (945-m altitude), source of the river. Enjoy your favorite activity, fishing, hunting or hiking, in breathtaking scenery. In the short distance between Matane and Saint-Rene-de-Matane, there are three covered bridges.